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The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has launched a new multimedia series—"InfoGuides"—to promote understanding of complex foreign policy issues. The first guide surveys escalating maritime disputes in the South China and East China Seas, using maps, timelines, slideshows, infographics, and videos.

"We wanted to take advantage of new storytelling tools to bring a compelling set of international issues to an online audience," said CFR.org EditorRobert McMahon. "In particular we aimed to make this accessible for educators and students in college and the advanced high school levels."

The new series bolsters CFR's robust interactive offerings, which include the Emmy Award–winning Crisis Guides and the Global Governance Monitor. The InfoGuides utilize a responsive design for use on tablets and mobile devices.

"China's Maritime Disputes" includes

a video overview of the disputes, featuring analysis by leading experts such C.V. Starr Senior Fellow and Director for Asia StudiesElizabeth C. Economy, Senior Fellow for Japan StudiesSheila A. Smith, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Joshua Kurlantzick, and CFR PresidentRichard N. Haass, as well as prominent experts from the region, such as such as Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, and Shen Dingli, professor of international relations at Fudan University;

an interactive map of the region illustrating the claims made by China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines;

a timeline chronicling more than a century of major milestones in the disputes;

infographics comparing statistics on trade, military spending, and natural resources;

policy options for preventing or managing a crisis; and

resources for educators, with lesson plans and activities for students.

The guide was made possible by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and developed in partnership with Phase 2.

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